The Siena Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs are continuing their fight against food insecurity across the Capital Region by hosting a pair of food drives during upcoming home games in partnership with the Regional Food Bank.
Fans are encouraged to donate five canned goods to the Regional Food Bank during matchups against the newest members of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC): Thursday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. when the Siena men host Sacred Heart at MVP Arena; and Saturday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. when the Siena women tip-off against Merrimack at UHY Center on the Loudonville campus.
In return for their donation, fans will receive a voucher for five dollars off a ticket to a future Siena men’s or women’s regular season 2024-25 home game (based on availability, while supplies last). Cash donations will also be accepted.
“We cherish the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people throughout the Capital Region by assisting our friends at the Regional Food Bank,” said Siena College Vice President and Director of Athletics John D’Argenio. “Siena fans routinely display Franciscan values by taking part in community service, and we look forward to their continued support of the Regional Food Bank’s mission while cheering on our student athletes.”
The Regional Food Bank will collect canned goods and personal hygiene products through the start of the second half of each game. Representatives will be located in the MVP lobby Atrium and on the concourse between sections 104 and 105 as well as in the lobby of UHY Center.
The Regional Food Bank is prioritizing healthy staples like soup, cereal, oatmeal, and 100% juice; personal hygiene products such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, and bathroom tissue; and culturally responsive foods like beans, rice, and masa flour.
Fans can also show their support by making a monetary contribution by way of cash or Venmo. For every $1 dollar raised, four meals are provided to individuals in need throughout 23 counties in northeastern New York.
“Food insecurity is a challenge our communities face every day of the year,” said Regional Food Bank Chief Executive Officer Tom Nardacci. “We are honored to continue to partner with Siena Athletics who are great supporters of the Regional Food Bank and our mission. Siena Athletics and the great Siena fans throughout the region are ensuring, even after the holiday season, we are focused on the mission of winning the battle against hunger in our communities.”
The Regional Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity in our communities since 1982. The Regional Food Bank collects donated food from the food industry and distributes it to nearly 1,000 charitable agencies feeding the hungry across 23 counties in northeastern New York. The Regional Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the national network of food banks. For more information on the Regional Food Bank, visit regionalfoodbank.net.